The Downtown Ithaca Alliance consists of many dedicated workers. There are four full-time employees, three part-time employees, seasonal Hospitality Ambassadors, and many interns and volunteers that help to fulfill the needs of Downtown Ithaca.

Gary Ferguson

Executive Director

Gary Ferguson has been the Executive Director of the DIA since 1999. Gary has previous experience with the cities of Lewiston, ME; Dayton, OH; and Grand Junction, CO. He specializes in business attraction and retention, urban design, public policy and strategic planning.

You can email Gary at: gary@downtownithaca.com

Kris Lewis

Operations Director

Kris Lewis, the former proprietor of Morris’ Men’s Wear, has been the DIA’s Operations Director since 2009. Kris oversees downtown operations concerning ambassadors, maintenance, and beautification on the Ithaca Commons, as well as government relations and business retention.

You can email Kris at: kris@downtownithaca.com

Allison Graffin

Marketing Director

Allison recently joined the DIA in November 2014. She oversees all the advertising, strategic marketing from concept to creation, and member services for all district members. A longtime Southern Tier resident, Graffin graduated with a degree in advertising and marketing from Marquette University and previously worked as Marketing Director for Ithaca Beer Co. for 6+ years.

You can email Allison at: allison@downtownithaca.com

Summer Keown

Special Events Director

Summer Keown oversees event planning, sponsorships, talent booking, and more.

You can email Summer at: summer@downtownithaca.com

Scott Rougeau

Event Associate | TDM Outreach Coordinator

Scott Rougeau joins the DIA after nearly 8 years of working on The Commons, with The Pack ‘N Ship Store. Scott will be contributing towards special events, festivals, and marketing promotions while assisting the Special Events Director and the Marketing Director of the DIA.

You can email Scott at: scott@downtownithaca.com

Darlene M. Donohue-Wilber

Communications Manager | TDM Researcher

Darlene Donohue comes to Downtown Ithaca with more than 10 years of journalism experience. She crafts DIA’s press releases, newsletters, and other communications materials. In addition, Darlene organizes the DIA’s ribbon cutting ceremonies and completes regional and national research projects. A Western New York native, Darlene is an avid Bills and Sabres fan.

You can email Darlene at: darlene@downtownithaca.com

Sam Carney

Retail Support Coordinator

Sam Carney is an Ithaca College graduate who joins the DIA after spending the past 4 years working for the Dartmouth College Athletic Department and a San Francisco based startup, Vocate.

Sam serves as a liaison to downtown’s merchants and assists with creating programming and organizing networking events.

You can email Sam at sam@downtownithaca.com